FOR THE TROOPS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 142, 13 December 1939, Page 13

FOR THE TROOPS

A CHURCH APPEAL

The military affairs committee of the Church of England has addressed a letter to members of the Church seeking support for the work now being undertaken in the Special Force camps. "It is the intention of the committee/ the letter states, "to establish a hut in the camp at Trentham. At the present time we are using marquees, which all agree are most unsuitable. A permanent hut suitably furnished will probably cost £2000. This hut will act as a base for the chaplain's work, and will provide a centre for reading, writing, and recreation. This department will be under the care of the Church Army. Light refreshments are supplied to the men throughout the day, free of charge, a service much appreciated, especially by those who have been sick. A large proportion of the Forces belong to the Church of England. It is right and proper, therefore, that we as a Church should be in the forefront in supplying the spiritual needs of these men. The value of the work already being done may be gauged by the fact that a large number of men attend the celebrations of Holy Communion.

"The military affairs committee of the Church of England has been approved by the Government as being exempt from the special war regulations prohibiting appeals for any fund other than the Government Patriotic Fund, and it is permitted, therefore, to make an appeal to its own people to further this work. All moneys collected from our church people for this purpose will be handled by the Church's committee in Wellington representing the Church as a whole, and be subject to Government audit. We, the members of the diocesan military affairs committee, appeal to all church people throughout the diocese to provide the necessary funds to build a suitable hut, and to carry on this essential work in the name of the Church. Donations may be sent to the diocesan treasurer, 20 Mulgrave Street, or to Mr. H. I. Thodey, 52 Central Terrace, Wellington, or through any vicar or churchwarden.

"The need is real and urgent. While our men who are training are giving up so much for us. we hope that there will not be wanting people who will be prepared at an immediate sacrifice to provide the sum necessary to ensure the hut being established."

The letter is signed by the Bishop of Wellington fchairman) and the members of the committee, Archdeacon Bullock. Messrs. W. H. Cunningham, W. H. Robertshawe. H. I. Thodey. Sir George Shirtcliffe; Messrs: B. R. Webster, N. S. Hunt. A. M. Anderson, and the Rev?. H. E. K. Fry. A. S. Kempthorne, and N. F. E. Robertshawe. ■